Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally acclaimed leader, speaker, and advocate for children's well-being, renowned for his ability to inspire transformative change through his expertise and dedication. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary, Dr. Rodríguez embodies a purpose-driven approach to addressing the needs of individuals, families, and communities. His life's work spans a diverse array of fields, including Early Childhood Education, Public Health, Child Welfare, Mental Health, Leadership Development, and Fatherhood Advocacy.

Dr. Rodríguez's distinguished career began at 17 as a combat medic in the United States Army. By 22, he became one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, demonstrating an exceptional ability to lead and support others. Over two decades of service in the U.S. Armed Forces, he held roles in law enforcement and mental health, leaving a lasting legacy of service and impact. His commitment to serving at-risk youth earned him the prestigious Points of Light Award from President George H.W. Bush, while President Barack H. Obama later honored him with the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award for his enduring contributions to society.

A trailblazer in fatherhood and family advocacy, Dr. Rodríguez established one of Arizona's first Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)-funded fatherhood programs. This program and numerous other initiatives he developed have generated more than $75 million in funding, positively impacting countless families and professionals. He founded the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), which has grown from a grassroots organization into an international nonprofit with a global reach. FFCA's hallmark event, the International Families and Fathers Conference, has transformed communities and inspired leaders worldwide.

As an educator, Dr. Rodríguez's commitment to education and mentorship is unwavering. He has served as a professor at prestigious institutions, including the University of Southern California and Arizona State University. His passion for teaching and mentorship has taken him to universities and communities worldwide, such as Morehouse College, Howard University, Columbia University, Clark Atlanta University, the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, the University of the West Indies, and more. His dynamic lectures and workshops have empowered professionals to effect meaningful change in their fields.
A recognized mental health expert and thought leader, Dr. Rodríguez has been invited to keynote for esteemed organizations such as the City of New York, the Region II Head Start Association, the State of Maryland, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. He is the creator of the SAMHSA-approved training curriculum "Including and Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support," which has been instrumental in advancing the skills of over 30,000 practitioners nationwide.

Dr. Rodríguez's groundbreaking research and program development efforts are a testament to his commitment to innovation and equity. He has led health initiatives funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health. His work with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American National Community Parent Depression Research Project, and various public health programs has earned him widespread recognition as a champion for equity, inclusion, and innovation.

The OAR Leadership Institute, founded by Dr. Rodríguez, has trained over 2,500 professionals since 2018, providing a cutting-edge curriculum that integrates timeless leadership principles with modern strategies. His Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course has further cemented his status as a leader in professional development, offering evidence-based training to practitioners worldwide.

Dr. Rodríguez's personal values—rooted in love, empathy, and a deep respect for humanity—are the driving force behind every facet of his work. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and draws inspiration from his own children to create initiatives that support families and strengthen communities. His unwavering dedication to fostering wellness, equity, and opportunity continues to make a profound impact, earning him global recognition as one of the most influential social work, mental health, and child welfare figures.